A while ago I bought some sunflower seedlings to plant in the garden . They didn’t grow as I’d hoped and looked half dead within 2 weeks . After a month we moved them to another spot and although they improved slightly, not much really happened. We tried a third location and within 2 weeks they had flowered and grown more than a few inches in height . I was so excited and watched them daily to see if they would continue to flourish. In my mind I think I had an idea that I would have a mini sunflower field not unlike that of Vincent Van Gogh’s! As you can no doubt guess, that didn’t happen. After a few days the flowers wilted, the stems went brown and that was the end of my yellow fantasy!

Our own creations and ideas may sprout forth with oomph and energy growing quickly and fruitfully before our very eyes. The idea is great, the execution of the idea goes smoothly and the result is so perfect that we cannot help but pat ourselves on the back and marvel at how clever we are!

How wonderful if it all continues to grow and flourish. How terrible though if it doesn’t. If instead of continuing on an upward path of success, it crashes and burns like my beloved sunflower but instead of costing a few rands, it has cost us our entire savings or retirement fund.

This is a more drastic picture of what happens when we build without consulting the Chief Builder. I’m quite sure nobody would attempt to build a house based on a quick child’s drawing on a piece of paper: in much the same way we go about our many plans without examining every angle before proceeding to break ground.

There is One who is all- knowledgeable, all-wise, who knows every end from every beginning. This same One who put each star in the sky knows of each hair on your head and sees your future as clearly as He sees your past.

If this One is available and willing to lead you through each decision knowing all that you do not know, why on earth would you insist on doing it alone ?

I would be a fool to walk blindfolded into a forest. That’s what walking without the One is like. Trying to do everything with the pride that only a fool is dominated by is the same as walking with a scarf tied around my eyes into an unfamiliar place and hoping to find my way out at the other end.

Luckily you have a choice. Choose wisely who advises you, who you consult and who walks with you on your journey. The rest will follow .

““You refused to listen to any of this, and now I am really angry. These god-making businesses of yours are your doom.”

Jeremiah 25:7

“If people can’t see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed.”

Proverbs 29:18 MSG

“But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.”

Matthew 6:33 AMP